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- Who we
are and our safari arrangements?
We are an African Kenya based tour company and we
make all safari arrangements including hotel/lodges
reservations. We have our own fleet and though our
clients are from all other the world we do not
arrange international flights.
Why should I go on
safari in East Africa?
Africa remains the last outpost of raw adventure, a
refuge from the modern world. From the splendor of
the Serengeti to the Masai Mara teeming with herds
of a million wildebeest, to the pristine beauty of
the Ngorongoro Crater, to the scenic viewing of game
parks and reserves; this ancient land and its people
offer a travel experience truly unlike any other.
Eastern Africa in particular, in our opinion,
provides travellers with the highest quality African
wildlife and wilderness experience available.
Best safari time to travel?
Almost all the parks have great sightings all year
round. Due to different habitats of the parks and
reserves an overland safari comes handy and many
maintain that June to September is the best time for
Kenya and April to June, October –December for
Tanzania.
Bottom line is that all year round there is plenty
of wildlife to see and great birding activities. The
mentioned months usually have less vegetation and
wildlife can be viewed with relative ease. The
nature reserves are at the time a bit crowded and as
such recommended to make reservations much in
advance.
What to bring?
From June-September the evenings can be quite cool.
Be ready for this and pack some warm clothing for
the evenings. Be ready to meet with an unexpected
showers but this doesn't lower the temperatures too
much. The guides know how to deal with this and it
should be the least of your worries.
Always have with you a wide-brim hat, insect
repellant, sunscreen and sunglasses. Force yourself
to drink water, lots of it, if you want to avoid
headaches and lethargy from dehydration.
Would you advice
taking a family to Africa?
Kenya and Tanzania are great destinations for
families. Some of the lodges have arrangements to
cater for young ones through children clubs that you
can engages them a lot with games and nature
activities. Many of the lodges and permanent tented
camps have swimming pools that the kids can enjoy.
Contact us for children arrangements and you will be
informed accordingly. Some lodges do not accept
children less than 7 years. If traveling with
children indicate in the remarks on the
reservation/inquiry form.
What do I
require to enter East Africa?
The nearest consulate office will be the best to
answer this question for especially for latest visa
requirements. You should have a valid passport at
least 6 months extra more than the planned stay.
Visa for Kenya and Tanzania costs US$50
respectively. Arrange to have your visa in advance
but can also be received on arrival at the airport.
Kinds of accommodation
This depends on personal taste and varies from
Luxury safari lodges, hotels, bed & breakfast,
Luxury tented camps and camp sites. Whatever your
choice, advance booking is recommended. Each one of
the accommodations is further explained below.
The kind of
safaris and packages we offer?
African Sermon Safaris offers the lodge safaris,
fly-in, permanent tented camps, budget mobile
camping. All of these are available for both of our
Kenya and Tanzania safaris. More specific
information is available on request.
Lodge safari:
Our safari guides drive you from lodge to lodge and
do game drive excursions in each of the park/
reserves visited. These are facilities in the nature
reserves. These offer great comforts. Works well for
families with children and services such swimming
pools, restaurant, bars are available.
Permanent tented camp safari:
Permanent tented camps are facilities in the nature
reserves and are really permanent facilities.
Safaris are operated by vehicle or fly-in packages.
Accommodation varies from comfortable to luxurious
tents. Usually these camps accommodate up to 50 or
less people. They are facilities for smaller group
of clients. This adds a personal feeling of
closeness to the nature. Furnitures such as chairs,
beds are included. Hot showers, cold water and
flashing toilets
How many
people for a safari to take off?
Our safaris are guaranteed to commence with a
minimum of 2 people. The vehicles are 7-seaters. For
safaris with more than 7 people we use 2 vehicles.
Each person is assured a window seat.
What is a single
supplement?
The hotels impose a minimal extra fee for single
travelers. Safari prices are based on two people
sharing a double-room accommodation. In the case of
single travelers they pay the per-person and the
single-supplement fee.
A single traveler
can share a room with another single?
In addition, a single traveler can share a room with
another single person as long as the other person is
of the same sex and on condition they both agree to
the arrangement.
How far in advance
should I book my safari?
It is highly recommended to make arrangements for
your safari in advance as far as possible. 4-6
months is most convenient and assures you
availability especially during the months of the
high season, July-mid September, Christmas-new year.
This saves last minute searches which often find you
compromising standards and with no guarantee of
availability.
What type of vehicles do
you use on safari?
African Sermon Safaris uses safari mini-buses with
open hatch (roof). All the vehicles have long
distance two-way radios and maintained to provide
great comfort during the drives.
What are the different
cultures?
'African culture' is a very broad term and varies
from country to country. A full explanation is beyond
the scope of this FAQ.
Kenya: There exists over 40 tribes and over 65
dialects in Kenya. Some of these dialects can
further be subdivided into related clusters of about
5 in each. Differences between some of the dialects
can only be recognized by people who have been in
Kenya long time. To the one-time visitor they are
all the same. For example Kikuyu who forms the major
group are related to Meru, Embu and Ndiga.
Unfortunately all these tribal groups are loosing
their traditional cultural values and tourism has
its share in this. At the coast it is comprised more
of a mixture of Arab, Indian, Ngiriama.
Tanzania lacks the widespread cultural heritage
existing in Kenya, but also enjoys the African,
Arab, European and Indian influences. The largest
group is of Bantu origin including Dukuma, Nyamwezi,
Makonde, Haya and Chagga. The Maasai in Kenya and
Tanzania are of Nilotic origin, as are the Samburu
and Arusha.
What is the
geographical formation like?
There are four geographical zones. The highlands,
the coastal lowlands, savannah grassland, extinct
volcanoes plus lakes and rivers. The Indian Ocean is
shared also by Tanzania, with great beaches in
Mombasa, Zanzibar among other coastal towns. The
itinerary usually covers several or all of them
depending on personal taste.
What are the road
conditions?
In both Kenya and Tanzania, all the major roads are
tarred. Not all of them are in good condition but
accessible. In the National reserves the roads are
of earth and rough.
What is the time
difference East Africa?
Kenya: GMT +3 hours
Tanzania: GMT +3 hours
- Uganda: GMT +3 hours
Is English language
spoken widely?
Language is not a problem and English is widely
spoken in East Africa. In the tour industry some of
the guides also have added languages learnt in the
local institutes. These are colleges put up to help
cater for the wide safari industry.
What about food and
water?
Any special dietary requirement can be catered for.
For this inform us in advance and will be organized
accordingly. On your itinerary you will see these
letters , B,L,D. These are abbreviations. Each
stands for: B > Breakfast, L > Lunch, D > Dinner.
Gourmet cooks bake fresh
breads, and produce soups, salads, and entrees that
could easily grace tables at top restaurants around
the world. Meals are international in flavor with
soups, salads, cold meats, pasta dishes, meat and
fish dishes, and breads. Your day normally starts
with tea and biscuits before your morning activity.
Returning to your lodge or camp late morning, brunch
is enjoyed - cereals, fruit, bacon, eggs, sausage,
and toast. Buffet lunches are typical with a warm
dish such as stew served with salads, quiches and
cold meats. Dinner consists of an appetizer followed
by meat, fish and pasta dishes served with assorted
vegetables and sauces. Dinner is followed by coffee
(or tea), cheeses, and gorgeous desserts.
Avoid drinking or even brushing your teeth with tap
water in your rooms. Drink only bottled water.
Are there any
medical precautions?
Travellers to East Africa should start with long
term basic health protection. This means
vaccinations against Tetanus, Typhoid, Yellow fever
and Hepatitis A. It is mandatory for Kenya and
Tanzania visitors be vaccinated for Yellow fever.
You have to prove this so bring your inoculation
card and it will be checked at the airport.
East Africa has some parts with Malaria. It
advisable that you consult your doctor for
information on Malaria prevention preparation and
most updated information on health to the third
world.
Don't go in the sun in the middle of the day, and be
especially careful when swimming, snorkeling. This
will avoid earning you a good chance in the melanoma
lottery.
If you intend to do mountain climbing be prepared
with necessary altitude sickness medication from
your doctor. Otherwise known as AMS, Acute Mountain
Sickness.
Symptoms:
Dizziness, nausea, headaches, insomnia,
breathlessness, loss of appetite.
Cure: rest, eat well, drink lots of water and don't
ascend further. You should be fine in a couple of
days. To avoid this take time to accrimatize.
Stage 2: dry cough, vomiting, confusion, loss of
balance and co-ordination. Pulmonary oedema.
What is meant by ensuite rooms
These are rooms with private toilets and showers
located within your room. They apply to both lodges
and luxury permanent tented camps. Also en-suite. On
budget camping the facilities are communal.
What photography advice
can you give?
souvenir photos can be taken. This requires some
patience and excellent timing. The regular family
camera is usually not enough for wildlife that is
far. A camera with a 200-300 mm comes handy in this
case. Dedicated photographers can use telephoto lens
of 400-500 mm. If you have big lens bring with a
light tripod stand for stability and a teleconverter
(2 x) to help double the focal length. Bring with
you ample films and batteries. These can also be
bought in the lodges or tourist centres. At the
moment of writing this page it is forbidden to
photograph government institutions, military
personnel (police, army, border police) Some
cultures eg, Masai are very sensitive so be careful
when you photograph and to consult the guide on the
various circumstances.
Will I be able to recharge my video camera
batteries?
If a camp or lodge is connected to electricity mains
or has a generator you may be able to recharge your
video batteries. Many camps and lodges have the
correct adapter plugs however we recommend that you
bring your own plug and converter. One of the best
options for recharging video batteries is an adapter
allowing you to recharge from a vehicle battery.
Is there electricity at the safari lodges and camps?
Electricity in East Africa and is 220/240 volts.
Most safari lodges and camps are not connected to an
electrical supply. Solar lighting (backed up by
batteries) is common, with many lodges having a
generator which runs part of the day (morning and
late evening). Lanterns also provide light at night.
In most areas you will not be able to use a
hairdryer or electric shaver.
What type of baggage / luggage should I take?
Luggage should be kept to a minimum - 12 kg's / 26
pounds per person packed in a soft duffel bag (15
kg's per person on Exclusive Series safaris). Hard
sided suitcases and soft-sided internal frame carry
on luggage are not acceptable as they will not fit
in the baggage compartment on small aircraft which
are often used for transfers between lodges and
camps. On safaris that have no small aircraft
transfers the weight and size allowance is not as
important however you should still strive to bring
as little as possible. Remember – Laundry service is
offered at most safari camps and lodges at an extra
cost unless otherwise stated.
Why big five?
The leopard, lion, elephant, rhino and buffalo were
the top of list of traditional fun-hunters who came
to Africa. These animals constitute a wish list for
many people on safari. The term is a reference from
colonial trophy hunting. Hunters ranked African
animals as to how dangerous they were to hunt. This
is why hippo and giraffe - despite their stature -
are not among this elite, sought-after group.
Do I need
Travel insurance?
It is always advisable to have travel insurance
while visiting East Africa just like any other parts
of the world. An element of personal risk that is of
hazardous nature is involved in all the expeditions.
Members in such an expedition must accept this risk.
You are advised to take out an Insurance policy to
cover personal accidents and medical expenses. This
can be arranged on request.
What airlines fly to East Africa?
Many of the major world airlines such as KLM,
British Airways, South African Airways, and Swissair
and Kenya Airways fly into East Africa several times
a week.
African Sermon Safaris does not arrange for
international flights but can recommend where to get
reasonably priced airline tickets from most major
cities in the United States via either Europe
(London or Amsterdam) or via South Africa to the
starting point of your safari. Flying via Europe,
you can find great rates for flights aboard
Northwest / KLM, British Airways Kenya Airways and
others.
Flying from the USA via South Africa you would fly
aboard a combination of Delta to either New York or
Atlanta and then non-stop to South Africa aboard
South African Airways. From South Africa you would
continue aboard South African Airways, Kenya Airways
or another airline to your final destination for the
start of your safari. African Sermon Safaris handle
internal flight arrangements within East Africa.
Is it safe to visit East Africa?
In general petty theft does occur in East Africa's
major cities and towns. Visitors should take the
same care as they would normally take in any other
destination worldwide. Keep a close watch on
handbags, wallets, and cameras when walking in
crowded places. Avoid walking at night and place
valuables in safe deposit boxes at hotels.
While at safari lodges and tented camps you are
typically far removed from human settlement and
crime is virtually non existent. We advise that
valuables be locked away or kept under the
supervision of the camp or lodge manager while on
safari.
Aren’t wild animals dangerous?
While viewing wildlife there is a degree of danger
as the behavior of wild animals cannot be
guaranteed. However most animals are frightened by
the sight / smell of humans and rather than attack,
will flee (unless cornered or provoked). Attacks on
humans are rare.
While on safari you will be accompanied by a African
Sermon Safaris guides who are well trained (KPSGA
Guides) & armed with an amazing understanding of the
wildlife with which they share their lives on a
daily basis.
At your tented camp or lodge it is not uncommon for
wildlife to wander through as camps & lodges are
typically not fenced. An attack on a sleeping
traveler would be highly unusual. However please
never venture outside your accommodation at night
without your guide. Always consult with your guide/s
when in doubt.
Is tipping recommended?
Tipping at restaurants (at your discretion) is 10%.
Tipping on safaris, at lodges and camps is always
welcomed but the amount varies greatly. It is often
best to tip the drivers, guides and lodge manager
who will distribute your tip amongst the lodge or
camp staff. As a rough estimate you can tip US $5 to
US $10 for each traveler per day at each lodge /
camp. Alternatively you can give the tips to African
Sermon Safaris head office who will make sure that
all those who are involved will get a share of the
money.
How much money should I bring? Cash or travelers
cheques? Are credit cards accepted?
You will need very little spending money on most
safaris as the majority of meals and activities are
included in your package cost. You will need to pay
for lunch, dinner, and drinks when you are staying
at hotels on a bed and breakfast basis as is the
case at most lodges and hotels in cities. Bills may
be settled by US cash, by travellers check, or by
credit card (accepted at most lodges, camps,
hotels).
Credit cards may be used in large towns at
restaurants and shops with MasterCard and Visa being
most accepted. However, use may be restricted in
small towns and country areas and non-existent in
small retail shops.
Automatic teller machines (ATM's) are situated
outside most banks in towns and cities in East
Africa, and international credit cards often can be
used to withdraw currency. However, as Africa is
unpredictable please do not rely on ATM machines for
your currency needs.
- Should we purchase local
currency?
US cash or travelers checks may changed into local
currency at airports and banks. Small bills (US $1,
US $5, US $10, and US $20) are best. Always keep
your receipt so that when you depart you may change
your money back to US dollars.
What is there to buy in East Africa?
Shopping while on safari is limited. Often lodges
and camps have small curio shops where you can buy
postcards, local goods such as carvings or books,
clothing (hats, shirts), and film. At airports and
in larger towns you will find African curio markets
where you can by all sorts of carvings, masks,
drums, jewelry etc...in general souvenirs and curios
are inexpensive (in US dollar terms) - still, fun
spirited bartering is the norm.
In most cities there are up market jewelers and art
galleries where you can easily spend hundreds, even
thousands, of dollars on African art. Most reputable
shops offer shipping of your purchase at extra cost.
For any additional questions you may have on Kenya
Safari advice and counseling, Travel insurance,
Kenya safari packages, family safari, African Safari
FAQ, Safari Questions, Travel Kenya Tanzania
questions, safari advice, Kenya tour information,
booking tour, safari preparation to Kenya tour, please
contact us
for further personalised advice.
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